Celtic could now lose youth talent to Premier League outfit in summer deal
da brdice: Celtic are on the march to another potential domestic clean sweep, but could now face a battle on their hands to retain a talented young star, per reports.
Celtic take one step closer to a domestic treble
da bet esporte: Hampden was literally a sea of green last weekend as Celtic fans packed out the national stadium on Sunday to witness their side batter St Johnstone 5-0 to reach the Scottish Cup final.
Brendan Rodgers now stands effectively one game off becoming the first ever Hoops manager to win three trebles in charge at Parkhead. They only need one point this weekend away to Dundee United to seal a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title.
In essence, Celtic have one match left this campaign that carries direct jeopardy. However, the thought of post-split clashes such as their trip to Tannadice followed by a meeting with Rangers the week after leave enough motivation for the champions to retain a healthy fire in their belly.
Come the summer, Rodgers’ priority will centre around securing Champions League-calibre additions to bolster his side ahead of the final qualifying round.
Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry is a target for Celtic following his refusal to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park. On the same token, Stoke City winger Million Manhoef is on the Bhoys’ radar, though may cost £10 million to bring to Glasgow’s east end.
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While incomings are always on the agenda, it would be negligent to rule out the fact that several departures could occur at Parkhead this summer to make room for fresh blood.
Further down the food chain, Celtic could now be set to lose a talented young star in a scenario that fans have seen unfold all too often in recent years.
Celtic could lose Dara Jikiemi to Nottingam Forest
According to Football Insider, Celtic could lose young defender Dara Jikiemi to Nottingham Forest after the Premier League outfit set their sights on bringing the 15-year-old to the City Ground.
Following some excellent performances at club level that led him to captaining Scotland’s Under-15 side earlier this year, he could become the latest in a long line of youngsters who have departed Lennoxtown to move on before making a sustained first-team breakthrough.
Ben Doak, Rocco Vata, Daniel Kelly, Liam Morrison and Cameron Harper are just a handful of prodigious stars who have left the Scottish champions in recent years while at a young age, enjoying a mixed degree of success south of the border and further afield.
Brexit has made Scottish soil a hotbed for scouts from English clubs due to tightened rules over signing EU-based players while they are under the age of 18. Celtic aren’t immune to this and will routinely face challenges in keeping hold of young talent for years to come.